Iran threatens Israel with war in Gulf as Jerusalem plans to join US on military mission

IRAN warned any interference in the Persian Gulf from Israel could "spark a war" as Jerusalem readies to join the US on a military mission in the Middle East over growing aggressive behaviour from the Iranian Government.

Iran's top Navy officer has warned attempts from Israel to position their military in the Persian Gulf will "spark a war". Israel is believed to be considering joining a US-led coalition to act as a protective force against Iranian aggression in the Strait of Hormuz after repeated skirmishes between the Iranian Navy and international vessels. Rear-Admiral Alireza Tangsiri told Lebanese TV channel Al-Mayadeen: "Any illegitimate presence by the Zionists in the waters of the Persian Gulf could spark a war.

Iran news: Tangsiri said the Iranian Navy had the right to "defend" access to the Strait (Image: AL-MAYADEEN )

Iran is the flag-bearer of security in the Persian Gulf, but that hinges on the export of our oil

Alireza Tangsiri

Rear Admiral Tangsiri added: "Iran is the flag-bearer of security in the Persian Gulf, but that hinges on the export of our oil and the country's ability to use the region. We'll ensure the security of Persian Gulf as long as our own security is ensured."

Israeli website Ynet last week reported Foreign Minister Israel Katz had told members of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Jerusalem is working with the US to increase vessels' security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Last month Israel and the United States announced they had successfully tested their jointArrow 3defence system amid growing tension with Iran.

Washington Strategy Group leader Joel Rubin, who worked under George W Bush and Barack Obama in the White House, warned that the next step to take for the US would be “military strikes” against Tehran.

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Iran news: The relationship with the US has become strained since Trump was elected (Image: EXPRESSS.CO.UK)

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“The danger we have with Iran is that right now we are heading into a military confrontation with them.”

The relationship between the US and Iran has worsened since President Donald Trump announced he would no longer abide by the Iran nuclear deal his predecessor, Barack Obama, signed up to.

However the other signatories to the agreement, France, Britain, Germany, Russia, China and the EU, have angered Mr Trump by continuing to support the agreement.

Over the past few months a number of tankers have been attacked with explosive devices while passing through the Persian Gulf, which the US blames on Iran. Tehran has consistently denied the claims and said the incidents had nothing to do with them.